This week we will focus on putting skills. Putting is 40% of your score. It is crucial that you become a proficient putter to be a good golfer. Nothing is more frustrating than hitting two great shots into a par 4 hole and then walking away from the green with a 5 because of a 3-putt.
Every golfer has a chance to become an excellent putter. It does not take extraordinary physical skill, strength or coordination. You should try to become a great putter. Improving my putting is always a goal of mine. Good putting skills allow you to make birdies when you hit greens in regulation and save par when you miss greens.
To become a great putter you just need to master a few basic fundamentals. Although there are many different styles of putting, most great putters have a basic fundamentals in common. If you are already a great putter, then continue to keep doing what you are doing. But if you could use some help, try to incorporate some of these skills into your game.
The putting stroke can be a very individualistic process for each person but within that there are certain fundamentals that all great putters have. Proper fundamentals will allow for the easiest possible way to achieve the correct feel and touch.
The first priority is to obtain the correct grip and posture.
The hands need to oppose each other while both thumbs should set strainght down the grip, so the grip sits up in the palm. Although Phil Mickleson advocates that the grip should be more in the fingers. He feels that this grip will help you release the putter head, while other pros think that the grip in the fingers will cause too much hand action. So you will have to experiment for yourself. Try it both ways and see what works for you. I personally teach that the grip should be in up in the palms, but who am I to argue with Phil Mickelson. Like I said, putting is very individualistic.
Here are some other keys:
1. Eyes over the line of the putt.
2. Square alignment with your eyes, shoulders, hips, feet and even forearms parallel to your target line.
3. Arms hang down naturally.
4. Weight slightly on your front leg.
5. Hands slightly pressed forward.
6. Relaxed and light grip pressure as well as softness in your arms and shoulders.
On-Course Exercise
To achieve the fundamentals of a good stroke, the key to becoming a good putter is quality practice. It is not necessary to spend hours on the green. Even practicing for 2 to 3 minutes is better than no practice at all. Make it a goal of your to always hit a few practice putts whenever you play or practice.
Off-Course Exercise
Putting indoors is one of the best ways to get touch and feel. You can simply keep a putter in your living room and take practice putting strokes. Work on your grip, try to keep your head still and make an effort to strike your putts solidly. If you can, roll a few putts on carpet towards a target to work on your distance control.
Find out your golf personality
To learn how to do these and other golf-specific exercises click here… Take an online lesson with Karen
Improving your swing starts with a proper diagnosis of what you’re doing wrong and knowing how to correct it and practice. Take an online lesson with Karen Powered by SwingPal.com. Received $10 off your first online video lesson. Use coupon code karen10 when you checkout to receive your discount.
How it works-
Submit your video of your swing. Karen will personally review your videos and provide a voice-over video analysis of your swing along with swing tips specifically designed for you to help you improve your game. Get feedback and ask Karen questions via email.
Visit KPJgolf.swingpal.com for more information.
KPJ’s Teaching Philosophy-
I focus on teaching my students the fundamentals of the swing. I try not to get too technical or position oriented. I think a golf swing is about getting the clubface square at impact with rhythm and tempo.
I try to adjust my instruction to the ability, interests and motivations of the player I am teaching. Together we will spend time developing an appropriate approach for them to play the game and help them set and achieve short and long terms goals.
Take an online lesson with Karen Powered by SwingPal.com. Received $10 off your first online video lesson. Use coupon code karen10 when you checkout to receive your discount.
About Karen
LPGA Teaching Professional Karen Palacios-Jansen was voted 2008 LPGA National and Southeast Section Teacher of the Year. Voted by Golf Digest Magazine as one of America’s “Top 50 Women Instructors” for 11 straight years, Karen has her own golf events company-Swing Blade Enterprises in Mooresville, North Carolina. Karen, a certified personal trainer, developed a golf-specific fitness system called Cardiogolf available on DVD and has worked as managing editor for Golf Fitness Magazine since 2007.
A former David Leadbetter trained instructor and Jim McLean Golf School master instructor, Karen has been teaching golf for 17 years and has appeared on The Golf Channel and a is regular contributor writer to golf publications such as Golf Fitness, Golf for Women and Golf Tips.
Karen has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois and has an undergraduate degree from Stetson University in Deland, Florida. Karen was a member of the women’s golf team at Stetson University, qualifying for five LPGA events as an amateur. Karen played on Future’s Golf Tour from 1990-1993 and was named as one of the “Top 40 Business Leaders in the Golf Industry under the Age of 40″ by Golfweek Magazine in 1999. Karen speaks fluent Spanish and conducts golf clinics in Latin America.
Frequently requested as a public speaker and lecturer at local and national golf shows and conferences, Karen has helped thousands of golfers improve their golf games. For more information-visit http://www.kpjgolf.com
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